The Bergen Historian
The historian behind The Bergen Historian.
I am Katrine, and I was born and raised here in Bergen. I have always believed that history is at its best when it feels alive. For me, history is not a list of dates and names - it is real people; their ambitions, mistakes, triumphs, scandals, and everyday lives. These are the stories I enjoy telling.
With a university background in history and many years of experience working in the museum sector, I have spent my career researching and sharing the past in a way that is engaging and easy to connect with. I have learned that the best stories are not always the biggest ones - they are the ones that make you smile, raise an eyebrow, or suddenly see a familiar street in a completely new way.
On my tours, we explore the human side og Bergen`s history together: merchants and sailors, saints and sinners, powerful women, notorious criminals, and the everyday people who shaped the city. Everything is based on solid research, but told in a way that is engaging, easy to follow and full of character.
If you join me on a walk, I will show you the city through its residents - layer by layer, street by street.
Historical Themes
These are some of the historical themes I am currently working with. All themes can be booked for private walking tours - or combined into tailor-made historical experiences.
Bryggen and the City: Neighbours and Rivals
A story of the relationship between the people of Bergen and the German merchants over several centuries, shaped by trade, conflict, and cooperation in the struggle for power and influence in the city.
Sinners, Saints & Scandals
Sinful priests, quarrelsome merchants, secret love affairs, witches, and criminals reaching folk-hero status. Catch a glimpse of Bergen`s lesser known shadow side through this tour of the city.
The Fall of a Nobleman
The Story of Audun Hugleiksson: his rise to power at the royal court and the dramatic downfall that led him to the gallows in Bergen.
The Magnus Sons
After King Magnus the Lawmender`s death, Norway was ruled through regency for his young sons, King Erik II and Duke Haakon, while rival factions battled for power behind the throne.
Prices
Open Tours
Private Tours
Lectures and Events
My open tours are priced at 550NOK per participant. Book your ticket through GetYourGuide or TripAdvisor/Viator
Private Tours are priced at 650NOK for groups with fewer than 10 participants. Groups larger than this, are priced at 600NOK per person.
Minimum pricing: 1950NOK - includes tickets for up to three participants.
My standard 1-hour lectures/talks are priced at 3000NOK.
For customized lectures beyond what I currently offer, please reach out directly for a price estimate. This pricing will depend on level of research required to a ensure high quality experience for your group.
Current research projects
When the King took Revenge
An intense story of honor, vengeance and power struggles in medieval Norway - where clan-based blood revenge was pushed aside and replaced by the King`s Law and a new order that changed everything.
The Royal Line of Sverre
Facinating insights into the Sverre Dynasty`s path from civil war and power struggles to a more unified and stronger Norway.
The Lost Churches of Bergen
A journey through medieval Bergen, exploring the remnants and stories of churches that once dominated the city skyline, but are now lost to history.
The Quarantine Harbour
Ships suspected of carrying infection were stopped in Strusshamn, a small village on an island outside Bergen, and held in quarantine- where uncertainty, fear and strict controls determined whether the journey could continue towards Bergen.
When the Plague came by Sea
A dark and dramatic story of the Black Death in Bergen, where a single ship is said to have brought plague and death - pushing the city into one of the most brutal periods in its history.
Brawls, Beers & Brutes
Conflict, honour culture and everyday violence in medieval Bergen.
Get in Touch
Do you have any questions, or would you like to request a private tour?
The Bergen Historian
Ulstein Kulturformidling Vestland
org.nr: 937833121
Follesevegen 69
5302 Strusshamn
Send an e-mail to:
post@thebergenhistorian.com
I will get back to you as soon as I am able!
@thebergenhistorian
post@thebergenhistorian.com
+47 480 64 028